Short answer: it depends on the class you’re comparing within. The HD3 ranks #4 of 9 in the small powered bookshelf class at $359.00; the R1700BT ranks #22 of 25 in the larger bookshelf-medium class at $219.99, $139 less.
Neither speaker has a single listed pro, which puts the weight on the cons. The HD3’s are a small woofer without much deep bass, slightly boosted treble, and a high price for what it offers. The R1700BT’s are a more V-shaped tuning that isn’t quite as neutral as its own cheaper sibling, the Edifier MR4.
The HD3 at least holds a respectable position in a small field, where the R1700BT sits near the bottom of a considerably larger one.
Buy the HD3 for the stronger relative ranking if the higher price is acceptable. Buy the R1700BT to save $139, understanding it ranks weaker within its own larger class.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Edifier R1700BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 | $219.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | RCA Output | None |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD3: $359.00 Amazon
Cons: Small woofer doesn’t have very deep bass. Slightly boosted treble. High priced
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Edifier R1700BT: $219.99 Amazon
Cons: more V shaped, not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DB vs Edifier R1700BT Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1280DBs vs Edifier R1700BTs Sound Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier R1700BT vs Edifier R2000DB Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier D12 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.